§ Mr. Jeremy Corbyn (Islington, North)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. It has been a tradition of the House that on Thursday afternoons, after Prime Minister's Question Time, we automatically have the business statement for the following week and then any other statements, the only exception being if there is a private notice question. Has there been a change in the procedure to enable the Prime Minister to make a statement on royal finances before the business statement, because normally he should have made it after? Does the Prime Minister have precedence over the rest of the House?
§ Madam SpeakerAny statement by the Prime Minister always takes precedence over other statements.
§ Mr. Tam Dalyell (Linlithgow)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. A fortnight ago, I was called to ask a question on the business statement. Last week, because I had a message from the Leader of the House saying that he was still considering my question about the Nimmo Smith/Friel report, I did not ask the question. Since then the Leader of the House has been given a transcript of a newspaper office record that throws the very gravest doubt on the findings in this highly sensitive report. Will the right hon. Gentleman have an opportunity to report to the House of Commons? If this is said outside the House of Commons, we shall be subject to litigation.
§ Madam SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman knows that the question he has just asked is one that, had he caught my eye, he might have put to the Leader of the House. I give the hon. Gentleman a number of opportunities to put questions. Regrettably, I could not do so today.
§ Mr David Trimble (Upper Bann)On a point of order, Madam Speaker. You will be aware of the importance to Back Benchers on both sides of the House of the business statement and of the questions that follow it. I appreciate that the practice is to give the Prime Minister precedence when he has to make a statement after Prime Minister's questions—a practice that was quite understandable today in view of the significance of the subject. Is it possible, however, to ensure that that practice will not prejudice the interests of Back Benchers who wish to raise matters following the business statement and that in the rather exceptional circumstances in which the Prime Minister has to make such a statement we shall get extra time for business questions?
§ Madam SpeakerI understand what the hon. Gentleman is seeking. It is is my custom to attempt to call the Whips of minority parties. I did so today in the case of his own party. Regrettably, I cannot call all Members following the business statement.